Ludovica Ruzzon
Doctoral fellow – Unit for Cellular and Molecular (Patho)physiology, Subunit Keratinocyte microenvironment lab, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research
Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University
Principal investigator: prof. Esther Hoste (PhD)
Research focus
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumor type with increasing incidence and often poor outcomes. Although the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in keratinocytes drive malignant transformation, it is now widely recognized that tumor initiation and progression are profoundly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME comprises a dynamic network of cells, that continuously interact with tumor cells through direct cell-cell communication and the secretion of signaling molecules. These reciprocal interactions regulate key processes including cellular proliferation, differentiation, immune evasion, tissue remodeling, and therapeutic response, thereby shaping both the initiation and evolution of SCC.
Among the components of the skin, dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) has emerged as a highly dynamic and biologically active compartment. Beyond its traditional role in energy storage, dWAT contributes to skin homeostasis, wound repair, immune regulation, and the secretion of adipokines, and mediators that can influence the behavior of neighboring cells. Given its close anatomical and functional relationship with the epidermis, dWAT is well positioned to modulate epithelial transformation and the establishment of a tumor-permissive microenvironment.
To investigate the contribution of this adipose compartment to skin carcinogenesis, I use a mouse model in which dWAT is selectively depleted. This model enables the direct assessment of how the presence or absence of dermal adipocytes influences the initiation and progression of SCC. I hypothesize that signaling derived from dWAT plays a critical role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and, consequently, has a significant impact on the early events that drive SCC development.
Biography
- 2026-present: PhD Candidate at Ghent University, VIB-UGent
- 2023-2025: Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Ghent University)
- 2019-2022: Bachelor degree in Biotechnology (Università di Pavia)
Contact & links
- Lab address: VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Gent-Zwijnaarde
- Ludovica Ruzzon is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks